Stars, Stripes & Safety Tips: Handling Fireworks with Care
There’s nothing quite like the crackle of fireworks and the glow of a summer night sky on the Fourth of July.
For many, the day brings back childhood memories of sparklers, laughter and fireworks lighting up the night — oh, and that one time “what’s his face” made a mistake with the firecracker and got hurt.
Whether it was a reckless joke, misuse, or a plain accident, I bet you think of that story every year as you’re lighting sparklers with friends or family. As you look back, that story is now an unforgettable reminder to stay safe.
So, as we celebrate our nation’s independence with bursts of light and colorful skies, it’s just as important to protect what we love most — our homes, our loved ones, our environment, and of course, our fingers!
Fireworks Safety Tips from the National Safety Council and the U.S. Product Safety Commission:
- Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt metals like titanium! Protect your skin from severe thermal burns and consider safer alternatives like glowsticks, streamers, or confetti poppers.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area and only purchase or set off fireworks that are for consumer (not display/professional) use. Individuals must be at least 16 years old to purchase consumer fireworks.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite sparklers. When lighting sparklers with friends or family, keep adolescents under close supervision.
- Be careful to read the safety instructions of fireworks before using. Using products differently than intended could pose hazardous results.
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then back a safe distance away quickly.
- Don’t ever throw or point fireworks or sparklers at anyone!
- Prevent trash fires. After burning fireworks or sparklers, douse the used devices with water from a bucket or hose before throwing it out. Similarly, if a firework malfunctions, don’t try to relight it. Soak it with water then discard it.
- Always keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.
Power Line Awareness Tips from Santee Cooper:
Be cautious of your surroundings. Look up, look to the side and look down! Do you see any power lines or poles around you?
- Before you light anything, find an open space and make sure there are no obstructions around you. If a fuse hits a power line, it could cause a spark, fire, neighborhood outage, or injury to anyone in the vicinity.
- Got foil balloons? While they make pretty decorations, mylar balloons can cause outages when caught in contact with a power line because the metallic coating can conduct electricity. Always be sure to tie or weigh them down so they can’t float away or cause harm.
- If a firecracker hits a pole or wire, call us immediately at 888-869-7688. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
- If you see a power line down in the area, stay at least 50 feet away and call 9-1-1 and 888-869-7688.
Do you see a green box nearby?
- That green box you see outside is a utility box, also known as a pad-mounted transformer. This box carries high voltages of electricity, so it’s important to keep yourself, children and others away. Lighting fireworks nearby or on it is extremely dangerous, so do not touch, climb or play on the green box.
Now that you’re prepared, go enjoy the holiday and celebrate safely! Happy Independence Day!
